Serra da Estrela with a vintage flair
tour experience
Serra da Estrela it’s the highest point in the Portuguese mainland, a mythical mountain for all riders that want to reach its peak, The Tower, and declare victory. But like every achievement, it is not arriving at the top that’s thrilling, it’s all the way to the top.
In Serra da Estrela, you’ll find good food, secluded villages lost in time, good food (have we already mentioned it?) and matching wine along with friendly and welcoming people. It’s a big challenge but the pleasure of riding through glacial valleys and enjoying overwhelming landscapes it’s huge.
Serra da Estrela
Join this tour to discover is a true natural treasure and a must-see destination for those visiting Portugal.
# days 7days/6nights
difficulty level 4
bike type road/hybrid bike
distance 450km
accumulated climb 9800
starting point lisbon
Artur from The Classic
Artur is a passionate cyclist, in love with bicycles, the beautiful side of life, good food, good wines and photography. And it is in his refuge in the Serra da Estrela that he receives his cyclist friends who like to face some bike challenges, surrounded by the magnificent mountain landscape. Artur is also a kind of a "Father" for national vintage cycling, as he is the main organizer of the only event of its kind in Portugal, "The Classic".
get inspired
day to day
-
![]()
day 1
Arrival at Lisbon Airport and reception at our Grupeto Bike Shop Café. Preparations for the 3h30 trip to Serra da Estrela, to our headquarters from where we will set off to explore by bike some of the most beautiful roads and paths of Portugal.
-
![]()
day 2
Morning bike ride at a leisurely pace, with time to enjoy the landscapes between Manteigas, Belmonte and Guarda. After the effort, it's time to go to a great restaurant to enjoy the local gastronomy, followed by a visit to a typical wine cellar of the area.
-
![]()
day 3
It's the day to climb to the highest point in continental Portugal, the Torre da Serra da Estrela, at a leisurely but challenging pace. After so many calories burned, it's time to go to another typical restaurant. To clean our legs, an afternoon stroll through one of the most beautiful trails in the area awaits us.
-
![]()
day 4
On this day we will take a route through some of the most emblematic villages in the area, leaving Sortelha towards Idanha-a-Velha, passing through the emblematic village of Monsanto that you may have seen in the most recent Game of Thrones prequel. In the afternoon we will get to know the area better and all its strong biological value.
-
![]()
day 5
We will depart by bicycle from the historic center of Covilhã, pass through Tortosendo, Unhais da Serra, Alvouco da Serra and finish with a trout lunch at a very special place. In the afternoon, it is time to relax at the fluvial beach of Loriga.
-
![]()
day 6
We cycle towards Fundão and explore the magnificent Serra da Gardunha, where Portugal's most beautiful and succulent cherries grow. We finish with a local snack based on codfish and have lunch, for a change, in a typical restaurant in the area. To close the meal and leave our palates well cared for, we do a wine tasting.
-
![]()
day 7
The time has come for us to return and go back to Lisbon for the trip home.
dates and prices
Dates from May to September
From 3.700€ per person
*prices subject to variation according to time of the year, hotel availability and exchange rate. Reference price calculated for groups with a minimum of 4 riders and double rooms occupancy.
You liked this tour but want to change the date or do it with a group of friends?
trip essentials
difficulty level
You will pedal leisurely on the roads that wind around the highest point in mainland Portugal and you will do so at a leisurely pace, enjoying the beauty of the landscape but with a touch of conquest that characterizes any bike tour.
bike and gear
Although this tour takes place in the summer, it's best to come prepared with cycling and casual winter clothing, because the Sierra always has a few surprises in store. Road bikes for this tour are included, but as an extra option you can use an electric bike.
accommodation
We will be staying in a high quality hotel in one of the most emblematic locations in the area, with all the necessary facilities for an adventure like this. You can check it out here:
https://www.vilagale.com/pt/hoteis/centro-de-portugal/vila-gale-serra-da-estrela
what is included
From the moment you land in Lisbon until your departure, you don't have to worry about a thing. Your adventure includes lodging, bike, personal accident and liability insurance, all meals, an allusive jersey, welcome package, transfers and lots of fun and conquests while pedaling.
